The UK is considering a ban on the "American XL Bully" dog breed due to recent attacks blamed on the breed.
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The ban would make it illegal to own, breed, gift, or sell an XL bully and could result in authorities confiscating these dogs, even if they have no record of aggression.
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Owners can apply for a court-ordered exemption, but they may face heavy fines and potential jail time.
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The ban would add the American XL Bully breed to the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, alongside other banned breeds.
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The breed is not officially recognized by the UK's Kennel Club, so experts must define it before implementing the ban.
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The government plans to convene experts, including police, veterinarians, and animal welfare stakeholders, to define the breed type.
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Critics argue that identifying breeds by sight is challenging, as many share similar characteristics.
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Veterinary groups and animal welfare organizations oppose the ban, citing a lack of data and evidence.
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They argue that breed bans do not address the root problems of irresponsible breeding and ownership.
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In the US, breed restrictions exist at the local level, but experts suggest that the trend is moving away from such bans.
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Advocates in the US promote education, responsible ownership, and breed-neutral dangerous dog laws as alternatives to breed-specific bans.
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